Muhammad Ali

Children's Literature - Elizabeth D. Schafer

Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., began boxing at age twelve in 1954 after a thief stole his bicycle and a policeman suggested he take boxing lessons. Victorious in his first match, Clay boxed an opponent for the televised program, Tomorrow's Champions, broadcast from Louisville. Intensely training, by 1959 Clay earned a national Golden Gloves title. Clay qualified for the 1960 U.S. Olympic boxing team, becoming a gold medalist before initiating his professional career. Fans enjoyed Clay's flamboyant, boastful style. He became the world heavyweight champion in 1964, winning that title twice more during his career. Clay attended Nation of Islam meetings, accepting a new name, Muhammad Ali. Convicted in 1967 for resisting induction for Vietnam War service, Ali lost his boxing license and world heavyweight title. The U.S. Supreme Court exonerated him in 1971. During the next decade, Ali fought worldwide until his last match in 1981. Although suffering from Parkinson's disease, Ali traveled internationally promoting peace. The book provides contextual information about cultural, political, and religious issues during Ali's life, and how his choices influenced his boxing career. Sidebars throughout the text provide boxing information and quotes. Supplement with Walter Dean Myers' The Greatest: Muhammad Ali (2001) and Peter Bacho's Boxing in Black and White (1999), to learn more about Ali and his opponents. Part of the "Sports Heroes and Legends" series.